A translucent, exotic, and rare pink crystal, which looks more like a work of art, will be one of the sensations at the Cachoeiro Stone Fair 2024. The event will take place from August 27 to 30 at the Carlos Caiado Barbosa Exhibition Park, attracting around 18,000 visitors over the four days. Among the attendees will be qualified buyers from more than 600 Brazilian cities and over 28 countries, fostering networking, contributing to business tourism, and boosting the region’s food and service sectors. This region is considered the marble capital of the world.
Composed of pink crystals, feldspar, and black tourmalines, the Patagônia Scarlet slabs, extracted in Bahia, combine beauty and exclusivity in a single product. Priced at around $400 per square meter (approximately R$ 2,200), this material promises to captivate the natural stone market. Its transparency is highlighted by directional lighting projects, enhancing its veins, colors, and unique patterns.
“We are bringing a bolder proposal to this year’s Cachoeiro Stone Fair, showcasing various possibilities for the application of natural stones, betting on the increased use of super exotic materials in the Brazilian market. One of the highlights will be this new material, the Patagônia Scarlet, which will stand out at our booth. Each slab is unique and looks more like a painting—a work of art,” said Afonso Rodrigues, sales executive at MGA Mármores e Granitos Altoé.
According to architect Lais Arêas, natural stones in pink tones are gaining prominence as the new trend in interior design and architecture. With their soft and elegant shade, they add a touch of sophistication and modernity to environments. “Green is an eternal trend, but this year it complements with pink, which is making a strong presence, along with blue. These colors are appearing in countertops, floors, walls, and even in decorative details such as ornaments, trays, coasters, accessories, handles, and lighting fixtures,” she commented.
The pink brings a unique charm, adaptable to both classic and contemporary styles, providing a pleasant visual experience with elegance and exclusivity.
“The trend is to use increasingly different stones, with more veins, more exotic varieties, and variations in shades of green, brown, gray, and pink. Natural stones are unique; there is no standard, which provides exclusivity. Additionally, they offer an energy exchange, an energetic recharge,” explained architect Rômulo Pegoretti, a specialist in stone energy.
Another highlight of the fair will be the White Paraná Dolomitic Marble. This metamorphic stone is primarily composed of calcium and magnesium carbonate, giving it extra resistance compared to other types of marble. Frequently used in bathrooms, floor coverings, and even kitchen and gourmet area countertops, this will be HLV Stone’s showcase product. “Our company has become known for the Dolomitic Marbles from the Curitiba/PR region. This year, at the Cachoeiro Stone Fair, we decided to bring our entire exclusive line to the booth,” said sales director Vinícius Altoé.
New trends in finishes In addition to innovations and stunning materials, the 35th edition of the Cachoeiro Stone Fair promises to surprise visitors with new trends in finishes.
According to architect Lais Arêas, the natural stone market is constantly evolving, and traditional finishes, such as polished, are giving way to more modern and versatile options. “Finishes like honed, brushed, and satin are gaining prominence, offering smoother, more natural surfaces with pleasant textures. These finishes, in addition to being sophisticated, provide a sense of warmth and authenticity to environments, perfectly aligning with the new design trends,” she said.
Since finishes in natural stones are crucial for defining the aesthetics and functionality of design projects, each type offers unique characteristics that can completely transform the appearance of a surface.
The honed finish, for example, is a favorite for those seeking a smooth appearance without intense shine. The honing process involves using abrasives to smooth the stone’s surface, resulting in a sleek, matte touch. This finish is ideal for environments that require a more understated and sophisticated look, avoiding light reflection and providing a more uniform appearance.
With a delicate texture, slightly rough surface achieved through the use of steel brushes on the stone, the brushed finish enhances the natural color and veining of the material, creating an aged and rustic effect. It is an excellent choice for those who desire a natural and cozy appearance without sacrificing elegance.
The satin finish lies between polished and honed, offering a soft shine and a slightly velvety texture. The satin surface is achieved through a lighter polishing process that does not reach the intense shine of a polished finish but still maintains a refined touch. This type of finish is ideal for environments that require a balance between sophistication and comfort, and is commonly used in elegant and contemporary interiors.
Although the polished finish is losing ground to newer finishes, it is still widely used in projects that seek an intense shine and a smooth, reflective surface. Polishing enhances the colors and natural characteristics of the stone, providing a luxurious and sophisticated look. However, due to its slipperiness, it is less suitable for wet or high-traffic areas.
Organic shapes in decor
Alongside the evolution of finishes, organic shapes are emerging as a strong trend in decor. Inspired by the lines and contours found in nature, these shapes bring fluidity and movement to spaces, contrasting with the straight, minimalist lines that have dominated design for so long.
Furniture, accessories, and even natural stone finishes are being designed with smooth curves and natural contours, creating environments that evoke a sense of harmony and well-being. The integration of these organic shapes with finishes like honed, brushed, and satin results in innovative compositions that combine elegance and authenticity, providing a unique visual and tactile experience.
“Regarding functionality, natural stones are being worked differently. We see more furniture, applied stones, rounded countertops, organic shapes, and distinct finishes,” emphasized architect Rômulo Pegoretti.
Cachoeiro Stone Fair – “35 Years Ahead” Date: August 27 to 30, from 2 PM to 8 PM (Tuesday to Friday). Access until 7 PM.
Place: Carlos Caiado Barbosa Exposition Center, in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim Target audience: industry professionals, such as stonemasons, architects, designers, engineers, business owners, managers, distributors, buyers, and othersRegistration: registration exclusively at www.cachoeirostonefair.com.br Organization: Cachoeiro Stone Fair is organized by Milanez Milaneze, a company of the Veronafiere Group, with promotion by Sindirochas, Cetemag, and Centrorochas.
Cachoeiro Stone Fair 2024 Details:
Visitors: Expected attendance of 18,000 people
Exhibiting Brands: Around 200 from the entire production chain
Exhibition Area: 30,000 m²
International Presence: 28 countries
Represented States: 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District
